K3 and K5 proteins encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) downregulate major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) from the surface of host cells through ubiquitin-dependent endocytosis and degradation. The closest relative to KSHV is Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) which naturally infects squirrel monkeys. The open reading frame (Orf) 12 of HVS shows a high structural homology to K3 and K5 proteins and thus, the functionality of Orf12 to downregulate MHC was tested. It was indeed found to be capable of downregulation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Mulla, Melissa Jo

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-082205-145321

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2005

Sponsor

• Yale University

Date created

• 2005-08-22

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• All rights reserved